Forgotten Witness Read Online Free PDF Page B

further. The senator planted his palms on the arms of his chair and pushed himself up. He buttoned his jacket. They were done.
    “There. Taken care of. I believe there is a reception where we are expected. A small thank you to those who have put themselves out to enlighten us.”
    “You’ll only be able to stay ten minutes, sir.” Eugene moved in on Patriota. “This has set you back twenty on the schedule and you’re due at–”
    “We’ll make it. We always do, Eugene.” His attention turned to Josie. “It was delightful to spend time with you. Shall we?”
    But Josie still sat, looking intently at Patriota as he stood over her. She got to her feet slowly.
    “Senator, I have to ask. Have we met before?”
    “I’m sure I would have remembered.”
    He stepped back and swept his hand toward the door. When she hesitated, when it seemed she would press the matter, Eugene Weller held her coat out.
    “Perhaps I could talk to Mr. Francis,” she suggested as she took it. “If you could get me to your security offices, I’ll take it from there.”
    “I’m afraid that’s not possible,” Eugene answered. “Protocol is being followed. And, of course, we must be concerned with Mr. Francis’ rights. You are a guest of Senator Patriota and have no official capacity here.”
    They moved in unison, Eugene holding open the door of the senator’s inner sanctum. Patriota went first. Josie followed only to take one step back for the two she had taken forward.
    “What will your people do with him?” she asked Eugene.
    “If everything checks out, he’ll be escorted out of the building. His pass will be revoked.”
    “Will they take him out the front of the building?” Josie prodded.
    “We leave those decisions to security.”
    Eugene muttered an apology and went around her, quickening his step so that he could beat Patriota to the doors that lead out into the main hall. Josie admired the choreography and the dodge. She had no choice but to follow them. In the hall, the senator shook her hand once more and took his leave easily. He wouldn’t remember her name in another ten minutes but in that moment she was the focus of his attention.
    “It has been a pleasure, Ms. Bates. I do hope that Hannah will find her way safely home.”
    “I intend to see that she does,” Josie answered.
    “I doubt there isn’t much you want that you don’t manage to get,” Ambrose said.
    “That is a true statement, Senator.”
    “You see, even politicians tell the truth once in a while. I will keep you in my prayers. We will do what we can.”
    Josie took his prayers and his promise with a grain of salt. She didn’t need either. Government’s wheels turned too slowly to help and if God were smart he would watch over Hannah like a hawk. If he didn’t, Josie would make sure there was hell to pay even in heaven.
    The senator withdrew his hand but Josie clasped his in both of hers, feeling the need to keep him close. For the first time, Patriota seemed to see her in all her complexity. There was something in his expression – something so fleeting Josie would be hard pressed to describe it – that told her she was not imagining this nagging deja vu. But he was impatient so she said the first thing that came to mind in order to keep the dialogue going.
    “I could help that man.”
    Ambrose Patriota’s countenance turned brittle. Like a children’s game, his left hand came atop hers. The senator, she was sure, always made sure his hand was on top. It was that person who made the rules and dominated the play. With a slow smile, he let her go.
    “Security will do anything that is necessary. Isn’t that correct, Eugene?”
    “Of course, Senator.” Eugene didn’t so much as blink but Josie could feel his distaste for her.
    “And we would provide him with counsel licensed to practice in the District, should he need it,” Ambrose went on.
    “Advocacy is advocacy,” Josie countered. “And it doesn’t have to be in a professional